A photograph of the late Ellen Osborn was on display during a candlelight vigil that was held at the Millstone Township Middle School on Aug. 19. Osborn, who died on Aug. 13, taught at the middle school for 14 years. More than 350 people gathered at the candlelight vigil to pay tribute to her. MICHAEL A. SABO More than 350 people paid their respects to a beloved Millstone Township Middle School teacher during a candlelight vigil that was held at the school, Dawson Court, Millstone Township, on the evening of Aug. 19.
The ceremony honored Ellen Osborn, 47, who died on Aug. 13. Osborn was laid to rest following a funeral mass at St. James Church, Pennington, on Aug. 22.
Osborn is survived by her husband, Rick, who is dealing with serious health issues, and her children, Charles, 7, and Carter, 11.
Osborn’s death took the community by surprise. In early August, she began to suffer from nausea and sought medical attention. She was diagnosed with a brain tumor and underwent surgery to remove the tumor. Osborn died shortly after the surgery.
The candlelight vigil at the middle school was attended by teachers, staff members, students, parents and Osborn’s mother.
Orange was the teacher’s favorite color and many people wore orange in a visual display of love and support.
Millstone Township Superintendent of Schools Scott Feder said, “We are here to remember and to honor Ellen. Look around. Orange lilies were planted (around the flagpole at the middle school), a perennial that will continue to grow back so we can remember Ellen as long as the school is here. This school community wants to be here for her family.”
Feder announced that a benefit concert will be arranged at the school in September to provide support to Osborn’s family.
Speakers noted how Osborn made a lasting impression on so many people. She came to the middle school in 2001 and was the first person to teach applied technology, an exciting course that offered pupils a chance to learn critical thinking through computer programs, Feder said.
Principal Christopher Huss spoke eloquently about Osborn, saying, “Ellen’s presence will be missed by students and staff alike. She was witty and possessed a sense of humor that many enjoyed and connected with …
“A number of students have come out to share stories about the relationships they had with Mrs. Osborn; and the staff has been similarly abuzz with their favorite Ellen stories and anecdotes. This is a sad loss for the entire Millstone community,” Huss said. Supervisor of Technology David Tuccillo shared a letter written by Osborn’s former student Dina Daley, who graduated in 2004.
Daley wrote: “When I stepped into (Mrs. Osborn’s) class, I saw maybe two centers in the room that I would be interested in, but she taught me to broaden my horizons. I didn’t know if (Mrs. Osborn) ever knew how much she affected the lives of her students.” There were boys in the class who enjoyed the flight simulator and now one of them serves in the Air Force, Daley wrote.
Another pupil was obsessed with the animation area in the class.
“Now she is creating animations for a living. I’m sure there are many others,” Daley added. The Rev. Jeff Philhower, senior pastor of the First Assembly of God, Freehold Township, said he had come to know Osborn through his wife, Heather, as the women worked together and were friends for 14 years.
Heather Philhower is the music teacher and chorus director at the middle school. Osborn assisted Philhower with the chorus from the beginning.
The reverend said Osborn “was a caring individual who connected with her students.”
In a poignant moment, Philhower recalled visiting Osborn in the hospital after she had donated a kidney to someone she did not know so her husband could receive a kidney in return. In effect, she helped him move up the list.
“That is very profound,” he said. “Ellen gave a part of herself and it gives life to someone even tonight.”
Philhower said Osborn made sure her children were involved in many activities. He said she had the spirit of camaraderie, good friendship and loyalty among members of a group.
“That speaks of her relationship with her colleagues here in Millstone,” Philhower said.
He recalled how Osborn cheered on her son, Carter, at a swim meet.
“Whether Carter got first place or did not place at all, she was always proud that he always did his best,” Philhower said.
“One time he was in a heated match and Ellen got up saying, ‘pull, pull, pull, Carter!’ As he did the freestyle, the basic technique is to catch and then you pull. You pull yourself forward. She yelled ‘pull, pull, pull.’ And he did!
“As we tread here in the sea of love that is out here tonight, it is good for us to remember … I can’t help but hear a voice out in the bleachers telling us to pull, pull, pull. It is good for you to remember, but then to pull forward and keep moving on.”
After the service, Heather Philhower shared her thoughts about Osborn and said, “Ellen has been my right hand person and dear friend for 14 years. She was so connected with the kids and she loved them. I am going to miss her a lot. She is awesome. It is just unbelievable. I can’t really wrap my mind around it.”
Individuals who are interested in making a donation to the Osborn family may visit gofundme.com/xphn92c